Cyanotype Workshop: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these 20 steps to create your own stunning cyanotype prints! Photos and tips included for guidance.

Materials You Will Need

  • Watercolor paper (~9" x 12")
  • Chemicals: Solution A (ferric ammonium citrate) & Solution B (potassium ferricyanide)
  • UV light source (or sunlight)
  • Glass or acrylic sheet
  • Brushes, droppers, or foam applicators
  • Trays or shallow containers for rinsing
  • Gloves and apron
  • Paper towels or absorbent cloth
  • Objects, leaves, or negatives for your design

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Prepare Your Workspace

Cover your table with protective paper and wear gloves and an apron. Cyanotype chemicals can stain surfaces and skin.

Workspace setup
2

Mix the Chemicals

In a dimly lit room, combine equal parts of Solution A and Solution B to make your working solution. Keep it in an opaque container to avoid light exposure.

Mixing chemicals
3

Cut Your Paper

Trim your watercolor paper to approximately 9" x 12".

Cutting paper
4

Coat the Paper

Use a brush or foam applicator to evenly coat the paper with the chemical solution. Work quickly to avoid streaks.

Coating paper
5

Dry the Paper

Let the coated paper dry in a dark, dust-free area for 15–30 minutes, depending on humidity.

Drying paper
6

Prepare Objects or Negatives

Select leaves, flowers, or photographic negatives for your design.

Preparing objects
7

Position the Paper

Lay the dried, coated paper flat on your workspace.

Positioning paper
8

Arrange Your Design

Place your objects or negatives on the coated paper carefully.

Arranging design
9

Cover with Glass or Acrylic

Place a clear sheet over your objects to keep them flat during exposure.

Covering with glass
10

Expose to UV Light

Expose your setup to UV light for 5–15 minutes, depending on intensity.

UV exposure
11

Observe the Change

The areas exposed to light will darken to blue, while covered areas remain lighter. This reveals your design.

Observing color change
12

Remove the Cover

Carefully lift the glass or acrylic sheet from your print, exposing the objects.

Removing glass cover
13

Lift Objects

Gently remove the leaves, flowers, or negatives from the coated paper.

Lifting objects
14

Rinse the Print

Rinse the paper in cool water until the water runs clear. The blue color will intensify as it washes.

Rinsing cyanotype
15

First Drying

Lay the print flat on paper towels to remove excess water. Avoid touching the surface.

First drying
16

Optional: Gentle Blotting

Lightly blot the surface with a cloth if necessary, being careful not to smudge the print.

Gentle blotting
17

Final Wash

Rinse the print in clean water for 1–2 minutes for a final wash.

Final rinse
18

Dry Completely

Hang or lay flat to dry completely in a dark, ventilated area. Avoid direct light until fully dry.

Complete drying
19

Evaluate Your Print

Check the cyanotype for detail and contrast. Photograph or scan it to keep a digital record.

Evaluating print
20

Display Your Work

Frame your cyanotype or mount it on a board. Enjoy the rich, Prussian blue and share your creation with friends and family!

Displaying cyanotype

Tips for Participants

This page will remain available after the workshop so you can revisit these steps, experiment with new objects, and refine your cyanotype techniques. For convenience, you can also download a PDF version of this guide to keep on hand while working.

Remember to take photos of your cyanotypes to track your progress and share your creations with others!

Have questions or want to share your work? Email Luis or tag me on social media!

Or, email via Gmail or Outlook Web.